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Some supporters are worried that defender Van Aanholt has joined a relegation rival, but Moyes said: 'It was my decision to sell him, just in case anyone thinks it was Ellis Short (the owner).

'There were several reasons for it. I felt it would allow me to bring in other players because of the level of wages. The sale meant I had opened up the ceiling allowing me to get players in.

'I have known for a while what Patrick's thoughts were, but it was always going to be difficult getting a replacement, that was the thing.'

Gibson poses with a shirt during his unveiling at the Academy of Light on Monday

Oviedo has also joined the Black Cats from Everton, where he played under Moyes

Oviedo sits down for a television interview after the completion of his move from Merseyside

Darron Gibson has also been reunited with David Moyes after his move from Goodison Park

Moyes watched the Scottish Championship clash between St Mirren and Falkirk on Saturday

Sunderland's ex-Everton players

Joleon Lescott

Bryan Oviedo

Jack Rodwell

Steven Pienaar

Darron Gibson

Victor Anichebe

Former Everton boss Moyes signed both left back Oviedo and midfielder Gibson in 2012 and says their arrival has lifted his mood after a month in which several players have rejected a move to the Stadium of Light, including Norwich City's Robbie Brady.

'What has happened is that there has been bit of money generated in last few days allowing me to bring players in myself,' said Moyes, who has also added ex-Toffee Joleon Lescott to last summer's free-transfer signings of Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar.

'I would always like to think I could do much better - there have been players I wanted but have not been able to attract. But I'm looking forward to getting a couple of new faces in, hopefully it will freshen it up.

'They are both good characters, good types and we will enjoy having them around. I hope they can make a bit of a difference.'

Moyes has also expressed an interest in signing Leicester City forward Leonardo Ulloa